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Braunschweig

The Blue Lung: Breathing with Braunschweig's Oker River

6.3 km157 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover the dual soul of Braunschweig along the banks of the Oker River. This immersive walking journey reveals how a medieval defensive moat transformed into the city's 'Blue Lung'—a vital ecological sanctuary and beloved recreational haven. From cutting-edge fish ladders and historic ramparts to vibrant beach clubs and massive flood weirs, you will explore the delicate, ongoing negotiation between human urban planning and untamed natural forces. Breathe in the history, listen to the currents, and uncover the hidden life of the water that shapes this city.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Petriwehr & Fischaufstiegsanlage

The tour begins at a historic weir recently upgraded with a modern fish ladder, illustrating the balance between urban water management and ecological restoration.

Petriwehr & Fischaufstiegsanlage

Image by Okernick on Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

0.49 km • 8 min
2

STOP 2

Inselwallpark

A tranquil green space that was once part of the city's defensive moat, highlighting the emotional and historical shift from military boundary to recreational haven.

Inselwallpark

Image by Verograph on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

1.46 km • 22 min
3

STOP 3

Botanischer Garten der TU Braunschweig

A historic botanical garden utilizing the river's microclimate to study and preserve urban biodiversity and ecological health.

Botanischer Garten der TU Braunschweig

Image by TeWeBs on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

1.62 km • 25 min
4

STOP 4

Löwenwall

A historic rampart turned vibrant park, serving as a social hub and demonstrating the psychological benefits of urban water proximity.

Löwenwall

Image by Benutzer:Brunswyk on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

1.24 km • 19 min
5

STOP 5

Bürgerpark

The expansive heart of the 'Blue Lung', showcasing 19th-century democratic landscape design and providing massive ecological benefits to the city.

Bürgerpark

Image by User:Brunswyk on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.66 km • 10 min
6

STOP 6

Okercabana

A vibrant beach club on the riverbanks, illustrating the modern, commercialized desire for a 'vacation feel' and contrasting with traditional nature parks.

0.87 km • 13 min
7

END

Eisenbütteler Wehr

The tour concludes at a massive weir, confronting the heavy infrastructure required to manage urban floods and the ongoing ecological challenges of the river.

Eisenbütteler Wehr

Image by TeWeBs on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Nature lovers, urban ecology enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a restorative, thought-provoking stroll through green spaces.
  • Best time Late afternoon, when the golden hour light hits the water and the parks come alive with locals.
  • Footwear Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the park paths and riverbanks.
  • Pacing Take your time. This tour is designed to be relaxing, so linger on the benches.
  • Refreshments Bring a water bottle, but save room for a drink at the Okercabana later.
  • Wildlife Keep an eye out for local river birds and maybe even migrating fish at the weirs.
  • Weather Bring a light jacket; the microclimate near the river can be cooler than the city center.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Tom Bennett
Audio sample
0:000:00

Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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